3 minute read

TWO COMMUNITIES, ONE PLAN, WORKING TO CREATE WALKING AND BIKING OPTIONS MORE ACCESSIBLE FOR ALL

Image Source: Sahin Sezer, Unsplash

CORE OBJECTIVE 7: CREATE TRANSPORTATION CHOICES

Advertisement

Walking, biking, traveling by wheelchair, canoeing, or kayaking - these are the kinds of self-propelled modes of active transportation that leaders in Smithton and Scottdale Boroughs have worked to prioritize over the last year. Culminating their work with the creation of the Smithton-Scottdale Active Transportation Plan, these communities hope to use the plan as a guide to improve existing bicycle and pedestrian trails and routes and to install “Trail Town” amenities like information kiosks, rest areas, and public restrooms, ultimately making their places safer and better connected for visitors and residents alike.

Although 11-miles apart, the two boroughs looked to their common assets such as a close proximity to the Youghiogheny River, Jacobs Creek, Great Allegheny Passage, and Coal & Coke Trail and used their shared interest in improving the active transportation network between and within both of their communities to drive the effort. The project was funded by a $25,000 grant from the PA WalkWorks Program, which is a collaboration between the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health, and was led by the Smart Growth Partnership of Westmoreland County with assistance from Penn State Extension.

“When we started this project, I couldn’t fully imagine how we would use all of this information,” said Karen Primm, Smithton Borough council member. “But I am so impressed by this document - it has really turned out to be way more than expected. I know we are going to be able to use it for funding and to guide us as we continue to revitalize our town.” She continued, “What I’m most excited about is the potential of having more foot traffic in Smithton and for people to be able to better enjoy the assets of our little town.”

The first-of-its-kind plan in the county establishes five priority areas with corresponding strategies for each community around wayfinding, biking and walking enhancements, connectivity, community enhancements, and outreach. One thing leaders in both of the communities hope the plan will help provide are opportunities for valuable economic development and investment.

“When you realize that the people out there on the GAP trail are spending money at shops, restaurants, and other businesses along the way - that ends up being a huge economic boost,” said Andy Pinskey, Scottdale Borough council member. “There’s potential for that in Scottdale. People could ride down the trail, get something to eat, and/or watch a play at the local theatre. Not only do these assets draw people into Scottdale, but it draws them into Westmoreland County.”

Also motivated by their desire to better and more safely connect all people to destinations within and between the communities, the boroughs sought to develop and adopt Complete Streets policies that accompany the active transportation plan. Complete Streets, according to the National Complete Streets Coalition, are streets for everyone - they make it easy to cross the street, walk to shops, jobs, and schools, bicycle to work, and move actively with assistive devices. The policies serve as a formal commitment that all future transportation projects will prioritize the safety of the most vulnerable people who use the street.

According to John Turack, Executive Director of Smart Growth Partnership, “The communities in the southern part of the county have so many great assets and there’s so much potential to build off of. I hope this plan, and the priorities and actions within, will be an example to other municipalities to replicate.” He continued, “I hope that other communities can see this plan and take a look at their trails, sidewalks, and other active transportation facilities and consider ways they can make better connections and improvements.”

The Smithton-Scottdale Active Transportation Plan and Complete Streets policies were adopted by both municipalities in December 2020.

This article is from: